Cougar threesome once again ranked among the Pac-12’s best

A few weeks ago Football Outsiders ranked three Cougars as their top ten players in the Pac-12 for 2017. Athlon’s has just released their top 25 for the conference and Luke Falk, Hercules Mata’afa and Cody O’Connell once again rank high.

Falk is all the way up at No.3 with only UW’s Jake Browning and USC’s Sam Darnold ranking above him. The Pac-12 is as usual, a quarterback’s conference. The top 4 players in the rankings are all signal-callers.

Outland trophy finalist guard O’Connell ranked No.6 on the list and is the top-ranked offensive lineman overall. What a rise for a player who didn’t even start the year before.

Mata’afa ranked just outside the top ten at No. 12 and stands as the top edge rusher on the list. Offensive tackle Cole Madison rated an honorable mention just outside the top 25.

WSU was just behind Washington and USC in number of players on the list. Washington placed eight on the list and USC had four. Another reason to get excited for the start of spring practice. The entire list can be read here.

Football

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Talented wide receiver Kyrin Priester left the Washington State football program in July of 2016. He’s back, according to Mike Leach.

Washington State football springs back into action on Thursday | | The Spokesman-Review
Gabe Marks’ bravado. River Cracraft’s stoic competence. Joe Salave’a’s arms. The Washington State football team must replace some of its most recognizable features before the 2017 season.

WSU Spring Football: Defense needs to finish plays behind line of scrimmage, says Alex Grinch | The Seattle Times
The Cougars return eight defensive starters, but they need more production from the big guys up front, and have to plug some holes on the back end

Mike Leach doesn't like to dance, but wants his CB to feel the rhythm - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
Marcellus Pippins will be looked to for leadership, performance and -- with his dancing -- keeping his Washington State teammates loose this season.

WSU Spring Football: 5 fresh faces to watch for | The Seattle Times
Spring football is a time for younger players to show the coaches what they can do. Here are some players to watch for as the Cougars open spring ball on Thursday.

Basketball

Washington State women make history, host UC Davis in third-round WNIT game | | The Spokesman-Review

The Washington State women are having fun again. Winning two games in a national postseason tournament will do that.